Camera spring device



April 29, 1947.

w. R. GALTER 2,419,715

CAMERA SPRING DEVICE Filed Oct. 15, 1945 Patented Apr. 29, 1947 X STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

My invention relates to means for preventing a spool turning device from being withdrawn from a camera casing, said means also providing a bearing for turning the spool,

Among the objects of my invention, is to provide a spring adapted to be attached to the shank of a turnable member in cameras or other devices, to prevent unauthorized withdrawal of the turnable member from the casing, and which will also act as a driving member for turning a spool contacting said turnable member. My spring, formed from wire, in a single operation, is more economical in construction, more easily assembled, more positive in action, and lasting in wear. My spring is also self-holding, but may be simply removed if desired.

My invention also contemplates such other objects, advantages and capabilities as will later more fully appear and which are inherently possessed by my invention.

While I have disclosed herein a preferred embodiment of my invention, yet I wish it understood that the same is susceptible of modiiication and change without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a plan View of part of a camera, showing the use of my spring device; Fig. 2 is an enlarged view on line 2 2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view on line 3-3 of Fig. l; and Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of my spring.

The embodiment selected to illustrate my invention comprises a spring or resilient member IE), formed of metal wire or other suitable material. It is substantially triangular in general outline, and has a top laterally extending portion il. From one end of lateral portion II, integral short angular portion i2 extends downwardly and inwardly, and from its lower end integral vertical portion I3 extends upwardly and slightly beyond the center of lateral portion I I.

From the other end of lateral portion I I, integral long angular portion M, extends inwardly and downwardly, with its central portion I5 spaced from vertical portion I3, where it joins short angular portion I2. From central portion I5 to the outer end l5, long angular portion Ill extends slightly more inwardly in its diagonal descent.

My spring It is used in the casing Il of a camera, which has an opening I 8, to receive the shank I9 of a manually turnable member 2t. The inner end of the shank extends within casing I'I and has a hollow end 2I, with a groove 22 out through its sidewall 23 at its inner end. My

spring is mounted on shank I9 with a vertical portion I3 positioned within groove 22 and central portion I5 of long angular portion I4 and portions of short angular portion I 2 and top lateral portion I I within circular slot 24 in sidewall 23. The portions of my spring I 0, not within slot 2:1, such as end portion I6 and corners 25 and 23, bear against the inner wall of casing Il preventing unauthorized withdrawal of turnable member 2li from casing Il.

When spool 2l is inserted in casing I'I bifurcated end 28 extends within hollow end 2l of shank i9 and straddles vertical portion I3 of spring I il, which provides a bearing surface for turning the spool 2 when turnable member 20 is actuated.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

In a casing having a turnable member extending within the casing, the turnable member having a groove and a circular slot adjacent its inner end, a substantially triangularly shaped spring having a laterally extending top portion, a short portion extending downwardly and inwardly from one end of said laterally extending portion, a vertical portion extending from the lower end of said short portion upwardly and slightly beyond the center of said laterally extending portion, a long portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the other end of said laterally extending portion With its outer end extending beyond the lower end of said vertical portion, said downwardly and inwardly extending portions and said laterally extending portion forming corners at their conjunctions, said vertical portion positioned within said groove, the central portions of said laterally extending portion and said downwardly and inwardly extending portions positioned for a three point contact within said circular slot, said corners and said outer end of said long downwardly and inwardly extending portion forming a three point Contact with the inside of said casing to prevent undesired withdrawal of Said turnable member from said casing, said vertical portion adapted to contact the end of a spool and turn the spool upon rotation of the turnable member.

WILLIAM R. GALTER.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Galter Sept. 3, 1940 Number 

